The National Counter Terrorism Centre, on Thursday, signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism.

NCTC is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The national coordinator of NCTC, Adamu Laka, said the collaboration marked a pivotal moment in their joint efforts to prevent and counter terrorism in Nigeria.

He said terrorism posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s security, stability, and prosperity, adding that it undermined the fundamental values, challenged the way of life, and endangered the safety of the citizens.

According to him, NAFDAC plays an important role in combating crime by regulating the manufacture, importation, and distribution of drugs, chemicals, and other controlled products.

Mr Laka said that joining forces with NAFDAC would help to enhance their collective efforts in disrupting illicit networks, dismantling their financing sources, and safeguarding communities from the scourge of terrorism.

Mr Laka commended NAFDAC for their commitment to the collaborative endeavour, adding that they would collectively embark on a path of shared responsibility, solidarity, and resilience in the fight against terrorism.

NAFDAC director-general Mojisola Adeyeye commended the ONSA for returning the agency to the ports on May 16, 2018.

Ms Adeyeye said that the signing of the MoU was a plus to the country in terms of reduction in death and obliteration of young minds, adding that drug abuse alters the mind.

She pledged the continued collaboration of her agency with the NCTC towards preventing young people from going into substance abuse.

(NAN)